What did people do as a form of entertainment and what kind of music did they listen to? Who were some of the composers they listen to and do we know their music today? These are questions that I hope to answer within this entry. Growing up I was brought up with Country, Celtic and Pop music. But before I ever heard those genres I listen to the sounds of Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel, Beethoven, Tschalkowsky and many other well known composers. Many of these composers that I just listed were some of the composer that 18th and 19th Century women and men listen to across the world. I’ve read a few journals where these composers were discuss and well appreciated. Today we are fortunate to have various electronics to keep us entertained. In the past people used music, dance and played games as a form of entertainment.
There are a few composers that we know the music today but really do not know the name behind it. Why? I think the tunes that they created are known it just the name of the person is not as well known as the songs they produced. Throughout the generations the songs were past, but not the names of the men and women who composed them. Upon joining an 18th Century group and researching on the time period I began to research on early music and beyond. And here are some composers I advise everyone to review and listen to. You will hear some familiar tunes while listening to their music on amazon.com
Coming from a Classical background I know of a few good classical composers and listen to them in a regular basis. But finding something new to listen to can sometimes be bit of a challenge. Recently I found two very different composers from the 17th Century who portray the time period very differently. The more contemporary John Playford and the traditional Classical composer Georg Philipp Telemann. After hearing one of John Playford compositions on the radio, I searched for some more examples of his music on amazon.com. Once I looked through amazon.com I realized I had heard some of his music without knowing it. He was born in 1623 in the town of Norwich, but the images of dancing kings to camp followers seem to always appear while listening to his music. Again I found Georg Philipp Telemann by doing a basic amazon search on 17th Century composers. Georg Philipp Telemann was born in Magdeburg in 1681 and his compositions sounds more traditionally what you would expect from the 17th Century.
I also listen to a lot of Celtic music, which I was first introduced to by some of my High School friends. I’ve been playing a few celtic tunes for a number of years and was interested in learning more about the people and those who composed some of my favorite tunes. One Scottish composer is Niel Gow who was born in Inver onMarch 1727. His son Nathaniel Gow who was born in Inver on May 1763 also became a composer of Celtic music. I’ve found out about this composer and many others through my research finding new music to play on the violin/fiddler. They are both mentioned in “The Fiddle Music of Scotland” by James Hunter.
Recently I discovered “A Modest Collection of Traditional Songs of the Colonial Period” by M. Richard Tully that has a few tunes that were written and known by 18th Century women and men. One composer in which the books notes is Thomas D’Urfey who wrote the song “A Beggin’ I will go. He was born in 1653 but his songs migrated with the new settlers of the New World. Many of the tunes that the colonist had known were traditional English, Scottish and Irish folk songs that they took with them and taught the tunes to their children. By the time the American Revolution many of the words of the tunes were change by both the English and Colonial Army. And many of the words we know today had a very different meaning during the time of the American Revolution. We only known the words that were taught by our parents and by their parent’s parents and so on and therefore that is how many of the traditional folk songs are known today.
I know this is a wide range of time periods but this is probably one of the most well know and one that is not being portrayed as hardcore as the other time periods. Since the 1970’s/60’s Renaissance and Medieval festivals have been popping up across the nation and around the world. In there own right they bring history to life, but for those who are hardcore reenactors it is not a place where authentic portrayal of the time period occurs. I admit it that I spent a large portion of my young adulthood at the Renaissance festival and continue to visit the local faire every other year. Its a form of entertainment and people can freely express themselves in this carefree environment.
We respect all forms and time periods that are portrayed in the world of reenacting. The following information we provide is limited due to we are still learning more about this form and the time periods that are being portrayed. We hope to learn more about this form of reenacting this year and hope to have more events available for those who have an interest in portraying the following time periods. We don’t know how soon this information will become available, but when we gather enough information we will be sure let you know.
Ancient Clans we known them as the Celts, Romans, Vikings and many others. It is being reenacted around the world and portrayed in many Military through the Ages t events in America. Even though the events that these organizations in the U.S.A participate in are limited they still have a form of accuracy. Many of these ancient clans have impacted our modern day world from our politics to impacting our culture through the music we listen today.
As always the following groups featured on this entry are those groups who are in the Washington D.C Area which includes MD, VA and PA. If you don’t live in the area please continue to visit our website @ wereenact.net
Legio XX
Legion XXIV
The Jomsvikings
Longship Company
Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia
Medieval and Renaissance Reenacting is not limited to the local Renaissance/Medieval faire there are some authentic events happening you just need to know where to look. One of the best known organizations that emphasis on portraying the 15th to the 17th Century is the SCA or the Society of Creative Anachronism. Many of the organizations that are part of this organization emphasizes in learning the use of weapon, art, dance, music and life style of the time period. And they are well-known for their less hardcore style of interruption. So if you’re looking for something that is more “carefree” join your local SCA group. Now if you would like to join something that is more accurate and “hardcore” than it will take some research in finding a group but they are out there. Of course most of the authentic and hard-core reenacting in this time period is happening in Europe but there are many organizations in the U.S.A and Canada who portray this time period. Again our resources are limited but hope to continue to update this information.
Knights of Hospitaller
La Belle Compagnie
Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia
Men of Warwick
The Empire of Chivalry and Steel
Piracy has a long history but the most notorious pirates lived during the 16th to the 18th Century. The film industry along with long periods of time have conducted many myths and legends of pirates. And therefore misinterpretation of pirates occur. There are many events that use the pirate theme one of which includes the pirate festivals. Like the Renaissance festival these festivals are a form of entertainment and not for the authentic reenacting nut. If you wish to go to an event I recommend an 18th or 16th Century event that will discuss pirate life or visit a location that will have a pirate encampment or at a marine museum to learn more about the ships and people.
Chesapeake Picaroons
The Moody Crewe
The Pirates of the Drunken Ferret
Revered Order of Pirates and Rogues
If you’re a group or organization that portrays the time periods that were featured on this article we would love to hear from you and add you onto our website. As a reminder we are still doing lots of research on these forms of reenacting and would love to learn more about these time periods. Please feel free to continue to look towards our site for information on upcoming events and finding organizations in your area.
Next time we will be featuring a few groups that portray the World Wars, Vietnam and other 20th Century Wars. So look back to this blog for more information soon.
October went fast, but there are a few last weekend events happening in November. We will post an entry on available winter activities in December and will update it as frequently as possible until more events become available. Until then we will not post a monthly entry on events happening each month. Through that time we will be working hard to update information on our site. ~ Thanks!
If you live up North some of the events happening this November are happening down south. There are many events happening the weekend of November sixth to the ninth. The Battle of Zollicoffer is just one event happening that weekend and its an American Civil War event held in Bluff City, TN on November 7-8,2009. If you live in the North Carolina area there is another event happening that weekend. The Battle of Fort Branch is another Civil War event that is held in Fort Branch, NC which is located two miles below Hamilton, North Carolina and 60 miles upriver of the town of Plymouth. This event is held on November 7th to 8th, 2009.
Another event happening in November is one that remembers the Battle of Secessionville. It is held in Mt. Pleasant, SC and from November 13th to the 15th. One hundred forty-seven years ago, June 14, 1862, a small group of Confederates soldiers from the 1st SC Artillery had just completed a portion of the earthwork embankments of Tower Battery located on James Island. The battery came under assault in a pre-dawn attack from an invading Federal force. The ensuing battle proved disastrous for the invading Federals. Outmanned 3 to 1, the Confederate troops stood their ground and won a decisive victory that would signify Charleston’s strong defenses against the invading Federal forces. On November 14 – 15, 2009, history will repeat itself in the form of living history. Step back into time as men, women and children present what life may have been like during the Antebellum era. Become a part of that era with interactive historical displays. Come relive the actions of the men who fought with honor and courage as the Confederate Heritage Trust in association with Boone Hall Plantation bring you the 19th Annual Re-enactment of the Battle of Secessionville.
The Annual Gettysburg Remembrance Day is held each year and this year it is held on November 21st to the 22nd. Thousands of reenactors go to Gettysburg to remember those who lost there lives in one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. Throughout the weekend there will be special activities which include a parade, an illumination, a reenactment of Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address and lectures series. It is an event for anyone who is interested in the American Civil War to go to at least once.
For additional information on upcoming events please visit our website.
Halloween brings up so many childhood memories of parading costumes around the school field and going trick o treating around the neighborhood, but as we grow up those memories become our children’s childhood memories. But what if you are currently not in the faze of your life and are a little to old to go trick o treating? There are many opportunities for historic enthusiast when it comes to Halloween and they can easily become annual events.
Halloween has become the second largest holiday celebrated in the U.S.A. It got it’s earlier roots from the Celts harvest New Year that was celebrated 2,000 years ago. When the Christians concurred the old pagan beliefs they turned it to a holiday of All Saints or All Souls (Nov 1st) day. Some of the holiday traditions we use today actually come from the Celts such as putting a candle in a pumpkin (turnip) and wearing costumes were all brought to this country from early settlers of the Irish decent. Events posted are just a few events happening that use the traditions of the holiday of folklore and masquerade to create a unique event.
Be sure to continue to visit the following entry, since it is one that will continue to grow as more events are found. We will only note events that happen annually and we apologize for any late information.
Candlelight Tours of Old City Cemetery - Lynchburg, VA
October 15 – 24, 2009
Ghosts of Sotterley Plantation Tour – Hollywood, MD
October 15 – 17, 2009
Spiritways: A Night in Besieged Salem Village – Salem, MA
October 17, 24 and 31, 2009
Legacy of the Hanging Judge - Salem, MA
October 16 – 31, 2009
Boone Hall Fright Nights – Charleston, SC
October 16 – 31, 2009
Spirits of Gables – Salem, MA
October 16 – 31, 2009
Edgar Allan Poe Comes Alive! - Luray, VA
October 24, 2009
Ghost Walk at Fort Frederick State Park – Big Pool, MD
October 24, 2009
Ghost and Legends of Fort Ligonier – Ligonier, PA
October 29, 2009
Mayhem and Mystery at Morgan Log House – Lansdale, PA
October 30, 2009
This is the final installment of exploring Maryland. Next I’ll will be exploring the historic sites of Washington D.C. and then Northern Virginia. There is a lot of history in Northern Maryland and some of the best places to tour in Northern Maryland are between 45 to 2 hours away from historic sites of Gettysburg, PA and Harpers Ferry, WV.
Prince George’s County:
No one is sure when people first set foot in Prince George’s County. Some archaeologists believe the first Indians came to Southern Maryland 10,000 years ago; others would say it was long before that. Whatever the case, this land was occupied for thousands of years before the first Europeans sailed to these shores. The first recorded visit to Prince George’s County by a European came in the summer of 1608, when Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac River, probably as far as Great Falls. Two groups of Indians inhabited the county in Smith’s time the Piscataways, whose villages ranged from the Anacostia River southward into Charles and St. Mary’s counties and the warlike Susquehannocks, who roamed and hunted in the northern part of the county, constantly pressing the Piscataways for more and more land.
John Smith’s visit in 1608 was an exploring expedition only no settlement was intended. Over the next 25 years, English traders paid frequent calls upon the Indians here, sometimes to trade, sometimes to fight. But the most significant early contact came in 1634, just days after the first Maryland colonists landed near the mouth of the Potomac River. Advised by an English trader to seek permission from the Piscataways before establishing a settlement there, Governor Leonard Calvert sailed up the Potomac to the tribe’s principal town, located on Piscataway Creek in the southern part of Prince George’s County. Governor Calvert established good relations with the Piscataways, and with their permission he returned downriver to found St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first settlement. Written by: Alan Virta
| National Colonial Farm | Accokeek |
| Belair Mansion | Bowie |
| Belair Stable Museum | Bowie |
| Bowie Train Museum | Bowie |
| Cedarville State Forest | Brandywine |
| Poplar Hill | Clinton |
| Surratt House Museum | Clinton |
| Fort Washington Park | Fort Washington |
| Marietta House Museum | Glenn Dale |
| Northampton Plantation | Lake Arbor |
| Fort Foote Park | Oxon Hill |
| Oxon Hill Farm | Oxon Hill |
| Oxon Hill Manor | Oxon Hill |
| Riversdale | Riverdale Park |
| Billingsley House Museum | Upper Marlboro |
| Darnall’s Chance House Museum | Upper Marlboro |
| Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary | Upper Marlboro |
| Mount Airy Mansion | Upper Marlboro |
Baltimore County:
Baltimore is an independent city and the largest city in the state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore City in order to distinguish it from surrounding Baltimore County. Founded in 1729, Baltimore is a major U.S. seaport and is situated closer to major Midwestern markets than any other major seaport on the East Coast. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was once the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the United States and a major manufacturing center. The harbor is now home to the Harborplace, a shopping, entertainment, and tourist center, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. After a decline in manufacturing industries, Baltimore shifted to aservice sector-oriented economy. Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital are now the city’s largest employers.
Written by: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore
| Ballestone/Stansbury House | Baltimore |
| Baltimore City | Baltimore |
| Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum | Baltimore |
| Carroll Mansion | Baltimore |
| Cromwell Valley Park | Baltimore |
| Edgar Allan Poe Museum | Baltimore |
| Fort Howard Park | Baltimore |
| Fort Mchenry | Baltimore |
| Garrett Jacobs Mansion | Baltimore |
| Mount Clare Museum House | Baltimore |
| Star-Spangled Banner Flag House | Baltimore |
| Westminster Hall & Burying Ground | Baltimore |
| Banneker Historical Park and Museum | Catonsville |
| Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center | Cockeysville |
| Battle Acre Park | Dundalk |
| Perry Hall Mansion | Perry Hall |
| Fort Garrison | Pikesville |
| Hampton National Historic Site | Towson |
Hartford County:
Harford County was formed in 1773 from the eastern part of Baltimore County. It contains Tudor Hall, birthplace of Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Harford County also hosted the signers of the Bush Declaration, a precursor document to the American Revolution.
The county was named for Henry Harford (ca. 1759-1834), illegitimate son of Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore. Harford was the last Proprietary Governor of Maryland, but did not inherit his father’s title because of his illegitimacy. Havre de Grace, an incorporated city in Harford County, was once under consideration to be the capital of the United States rather thanWashington, D.C.. It was favored for its strategic location at the top of the Chesapeake Bay; this location would facilitate trade while being secure in time of war. Today, the waterways around Havre de Grace have been silted, one of the primary environmental issues of Harford County. Written by: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harford_County,_Maryland
| U.S. Army Ordnance Museum | Aberdeen |
| Liriodendron | Bel Air |
| MA & PA Heritage Trail | Bel Air |
| Concord Pt. Lighthouse | Havre de Grace |
| Havre de Grace Decoy Museum | Havre de Grace |
| Maritime Museum | Havre de Grace |
| Stepping Stone Museum | Havre de Grace |
| Susquehanna Museum | Havre de Grace |
| Susquehanna State Park | Havre de Grace |
| Jerusalem Mill Village | Kingsville |
| Rocks State Park | Jarrettsville |
| Ladew Topiary Gardens | Monkton |
| Eden Mill Park Nature Ctr | Pylesville |
Frederick County:
Frederick County was created in 1748 from parts of Prince George’s County and Baltimore County. In 1776, Frederick County was divided into three parts. The westernmost portion became Washington County, named after George Washington, the easternmost portion became Montgomery County, named after another Revolutionary War general, Richard Montgomery. The central portion remained Frederick County. In 1837 a part of Frederick County was combined with a part of Baltimore County to form Carroll County.
Written by: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_County,_Maryland
Finding events and interesting locations that offer living history programs that portray the 18th Century is not at all that difficult. Finding a well known organizations that portrays the side you wish to portray is a little more difficult. Depending on where you live will determine how many groups actually participate in events that are 45 minutes away. This can cause a bit of a challenge especially if you live in a location that 18th Century life is not widely spoken about. Being one who lives in the middle of nowhere near the world of reenacting is a little bit farther than someone who can simply step out there door and history just blows right in. No matter where you live be prepared to drive between 45 minutes to 3 hrs away to participate in an event.
Many of these units are always looking for new members and while attending 18th Century events there are a lack of people who portray the British. It is important that people who are interested in portraying the 18th Century, do some research on portraying a British soldier or loyalist. If there aren’t any units who portray the British how can spectators experience the French and Indian War and the American Revolution in it entirety?
The following units are located in the Washington DC, MD, VA and Pa area that portray the British Army during the American Revolutionary War. If you are part of a unit who portrays the British army during the American War of Independence or the French and Indian War please leave a comment below this entry. If you know of a unit that portrays the British army please leave a comment below. We are always looking for British Units to add onto our website.
1st Battalion, Maryland Loyalists
Alexander Lawson Smith’s Company
This is widely portrayed and therefore there is always a big difference in the size of the encampments and units when it comes to 18th Century reenacting events. Many groups that portray this time period and army consist of 25 + members. The British units are lucky to get 20 members. If you live in the Washington D.C. area there are more units who portray the continental army than the British army. But there are a few units out there that do portray both armies of the British and Continental line.
The following units are located in the Washington, MD, VA and Pa area that portray the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. If you are a unit who portrays the Continental army or both armies during the American War of Independence or the French and Indian War please comment within this entry. We are always looking for units from both sides to add onto our website.
I should also mention that there are many organizations that portray Native Americans, the French and Hessian armies. This is an important role when portraying the 18th Century since without the help of the Indians, Hessians or the French the French & Indian War and the American Revolutionary War would have a very different out come.
Again the following units are located in the Washington, MD, VA and Pa area that portray other units that have not been featured above that had some part during the French & Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. If you are a unit who portrays a unit that fought during the American Revolution or French and Indian War we would be happy to hear from you, we are always looking for units from all sides to add onto our website.
A few things I left out or did not have room to mention on other entries for the new recruit to consider. You should consider the following things before you join a group and gather up your kit.
What things to consider?
Kit Costs: Are you financially ready to spend a lot of money for your kit? Most reenactors would agree that they spend more money on their kits than modern day clothing. It is safe to say that buying cloth for your kit can be as low as $5 per yard to as high a $20 a yard. Talk to the unit you’re interested in about gathering your kit before joining. The more information you gather on the earlier stages of becoming a living historian the least likely you will have any doubts later on. Not to say that the butterflies in your stomach won’t appear expect them to appear occassionly.
Event costs: The cost of participating in events varies according to time period. Some time periods like the American Civil War will have to pay to participate in Battle Reenactments and tactical events. Many of these organizations do living history events to cut down the cost the members have to pay each year to participate in events. Whereas 18th Century reenactors do not have to pay to participate in an event. Before joining a group ask the unit what is there average expense(s) to participate in events. Most periods you might have to pay a little money to participate in tactical events since they do not involve the public. All time periods have a chance to do “private events” that don’t involve the public. Sometimes you will have to pay to participate in the event sometime you won’t it all depends on who is planning the event.
Gathering your kit: I’m lucky enough to have joined a group that helps their new recruits and willing to take time with new recruits in buying and sewing their garb. When you are just starting out it is best to find someone who has done it for a long time to help you gather your equipment. If all else fails and you can’t find a person visit our website. We are currently asking reenactors to vote for the major sutlers people should be going to when buying anything for their kit. So far we have the 18th Century and 19th Century covered. In another two to three weeks we will be posting an entry on Medieval, Renaissance and possibly WWI/WWII sutlers.
Choosing sides: Now you know the basic information that all new recruits of reenacting should know, now you can decide which side you would like to portray. It is important to know that no matter what time period you portray all sides of a conflict need to be portrayed. Reenactors do not have to believe everything that the person or unit (past enemy or foe) they are portraying. It is important to get all sides and perspectives of the story. No matter if you’re portraying a Confederate, Natzi or in this case a British soldier the story of these brave soldiers need to be told.
Once you’ve decided what time period and impression you wish to portray. The next step is finding a group and than finally joining the group. What you get out of the hobby and the amount you learn while doing the hobby is up to you.
Good luck on your journey!
There is a lot to see and do in Washington D.C but there are various counties and states that surrounds Washington D.C. You can start your journey in Washington D.C and find yourself wondering around the mountains and shores of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. The following counties are all within 45 minutes to 3 hours away from Washington D.C.
Maryland: The Home of Blue Crabs and one of the original 15 colonies. You’ve explored the plains, rivers and the historic sites of Southern Maryland. Here are the counties of the State that features foothills, mountains, lakes, oceans, battlefields and forts. Maryland has so much to offer for its visitors and locals alike.
Maryland Tourism: http://www.mdtourism.org/
Allegany County: http://www.mdmountainside.com/
Anne Arundel County: http://www.visitannapolis.org/index.aspx
Baltimore County: http://www.visitbacomd.info/
Calvert County: http://www.ecalvert.com/
Caroline County: http://www.tourcaroline.com/
Carroll County: http://www.carrollcountytourism.org/
Cecil County: http://www.ccgov.org/tourism/
Charles County: http://www.thenationsbackyard.com/tourism/
Dorchester County: http://www.tourdorchester.org/
Frederick County: http://www.fredericktourism.org/
Garrett County: http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/
Harford County: http://www.harfordmd.com/
Howard County: http://www.howardcountymd.gov/hct/hct_homepage.htm
Kent County: http://www.kentcounty.com/
Montgomery County: http://www.visitmontgomery.com/
Prince George’s County: http://www.visitprincegeorges.com/
Queen Anne’s County: www.discoverqueenannes.com
Somerset County: http://www.visitsomerset.com/
St. Mary’s County: http://tour.co.saint-marys.md.us/tourismtemplate2.asp?content=indexcontent.asp
Talbot County: http://www.tourtalbot.org/
Washington County: http://www.marylandmemories.com/
Wicomico County: http://www.wicomicotourism.org/
Worchester County: http://www.visitworcester.org/
Virginia: The home of the first settlement of America, our first president and a the home of a confederate general. All who are linked to family and state at which they called home. It is also one of my most favorite states to visit and one I feel the most at home. I should also mention that these are the Northern Virginia Counties. Virginia is a big state and if you wish to explore all of it, please visit there state’s site.
North Virginia:http://www.northernneck.org/Home.html
Arlington County: http://www.virginia.org/Site/cities.asp?locality=Arlington
Caroline County: http://www.co.caroline.va.us/tourism.html
Clarke County: http://www.virginia.org/site/cities.asp?locality=Clarke
Culpeper County: http://www.visitculpeperva.com/
Fairfax County: http://www.fxva.com/
Fauquier County: http://www.visitfauquier.com/
King George County: http://www.virginia.org/site/cities.asp?locality=King%20George
Loudoun County: http://www.visitloudoun.org/
Prince William County: http://www.visitpwc.com/
Spotsylvania County: http://www.virginia.org/site/cities.asp?locality=Spotsylvania
Stafford County: http://www.tourstaffordva.com/stafford-visitorguide.cfm
Warren County: http://www.virginia.org/site/cities.asp?locality=Warren
Pennsylvania: One of the biggest three day battles was fought here, one of the 15 original colonies and the location where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Also another state I find myself wondering the foothills and mountains. It hosts many favored reenacting events and festivals. Another really big state and I’m only posting information on the southern part of the state.
Adams County: http://www.achs-pa.org/
Bedford County: http://www.bedfordcounty.net/
Berks County: http://www.readingberkspa.com/
Bucks County: http://visitbuckscounty.com/
Chester County: http://www.brandywinevalley.com/
Cumberland County: http://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/
Delaware County: http://www.brandywinecvb.org/
Fayette County: http://www.fayettechamber.com/cwt/external/wcpages/index.aspx
Franklin County: http://www.explorefranklincountypa.com/
Fulton County: http://www.fultoncountypa.com/
Greene County: http://www.greenecountytourism.org/
Lancaster County: http://www.padutchcountry.com/
Montgomery County: http://www2.montcopa.org/montco/site/default.asp
Somerset County: http://www.somersetcountychamber.com/chamber/benefits.asp
Washington County: http://visitwashingtoncountypa.com/
Westmoreland County: http://www.laurelhighlands.org/
York County: http://www.yorkpa.org/
New Jersey: George Washington found a way through to finally defeat the British during his crossing of the Delaware and then the battle of Trenton. The state had two major battles that had an important rolls during the American War for Independence and effected the war on how it would end. If it weren’t for all the bridges and tolls I would visit this state more often. But driving from the Washington D.C area can be a pain, but once you find yourself within the state it is smooth sailing. I blame it all on Delaware. I’ve never drove from Philadelphia to New Jersey, that might be a better way to travel.
New Jersey Shores: http://www.visitnjshore.com/
Atlantic County: http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/
Cape May County: http://www.capemaycountychamber.com/cape-may-county-visitors.htm
Cumberland County: http://www.discovercumberlandcounty.com/
Hudson County: http://www.visithudson.org/
Monmouth County: http://www.visitmonmouth.com/
Morris County: http://www.morristourism.org/
Salem County: http://www.visitsalemcountynj.com/default.asp?contentID=2
Somerset County: http://www.njwildlifetrails.org/AboutTheTrails/NJWelcomeCenters.aspx
Warren County: http://www.visitwarren.com/
West Virginia: Known for its rough frontiersmen and soldiers but it is most known for its mountain views and the rolls it played during the American Civil War. I’ve had a chance to explore the towns and mountains of this state but again I’m only going to discuss the eastern portion of the state since it is the closest to the Washington D.C area. It is also a great place to go tubbing, canoeing and mountain climbing.
Southern County: http://www.visitwv.com/
Berkeley County: http://www.travelwv.com/
Grant County: http://www.grantcountywva.com/
Greenbrier County: http://greenbrierwv.com/
Hampshire County: http://www.cometohampshire.com/
Hardy County: http://www.visithardy.com/
Jefferson County: http://www.hello-wv.com/
Lewis County: http://www.stonewallcountry.com/
Marion County: http://marioncvb.com/
Morgan County: http://www.tourmorgantown.com/
Parkersburg County: http://www.greaterparkersburg.com/
Pendleton County: http://www.visitpendleton.com/
Pocahontas County: http://www.pocahontascountywv.com/
Preston County: http://www.tourpreston.com/
Tucker County: http://www.canaanvalley.org/
Wheeling County: http://www.wheelingcvb.com/
One of the most widely portrayed periods in U.S.A is the American Civil War. You maybe asking WHY?? Good question there are a lot of reasons why but the ultimate reason is people love the history of the time period and love portraying people in the family. There are a few Americans who can proudly say that they have an ancestor who fought during the War between the States. I’m proudly to say I have such an ancestor, but I’m not going to get into that much detail about him. So are there any American Civil War units in Maryland or within the Washington D.C. area? Yes there are a bunch them closer to the northern part of Maryland and Virginia. They do a variety of different types of events but many of them you will meet at the big battle reenactments of Gettysburg, New Market, Cedar Creek and others.
If you wish to portray the Union army during the American Civil War here are a few units in the Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia area. For any additional information on the unit, please visit their website.
7th Maryland Vol. Infantry Co A
1st Maryland Vol. Infantry Co. A
63rd New York Irish Brigade Co. A
79th NY Cameron Highlanders Co. A
If you’re not interested in portraying the Union army but would rather portray the Confederate Army here are a few units that have a headquarters in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Please be sure to visit their website for any additional information or help.
1st NC Sharpshooter Battalion Co. A
Danville Field Artillery Battery
Currently we do not have a list of organizations that portray civilian rolls during the American Civil War or any other time periods. We are currently working on it right now and hope to have a list of organizations that portray civilians by the time the next reenacting season begins or by the spring of 2010. If you know of any organizations that portray any civilian rolls during any time periods please leave a comment.
If you do not live in the Washington D.C. area we have additional units and information on our website.
Please visit the website for any additional information that may not appear on this entry. ~ Thanks!
